Webroot CEO Stepping Down; Replacement Named

Webroot today announced that CEO Dick Williams is retiring from the top post and will be replaced effective Sept. 25 by former Cisco executive Mike Potts.

Williams, who will remain a member of the company’s board of directors, is stepping down as Webroot celebrates 14 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth.

He joined the company in 2009 and is credited with leading a reinvention of the firm into cloud-based endpoint and network security, threat intelligence and cybersecurity training.

“I am honored to have helped build and lead the incredibly talented Webroot team for the past eight years,” Williams said in a statement. “I am proud of each of them, how they developed, and all we collectively accomplished.”

“Webroot transformed an industry, and now protects millions of consumers and over 210,000 businesses from the risks of cyber threats,” the statement continued. “I am confident that Mike is the right person to lead this fantastic team going forward.”

Potts had been president and CEO at cybersecurity vendor Lancope, which was acquired by Cisco in 2015.

Since then, Potts has worked as an integration executive in Cisco’s security business.

“Dick has been a tremendous CEO for Webroot and when he decided to retire, we looked for a leader who could build on his legacy of disruptive cybersecurity innovation and reliable business execution,” said Jake Reynolds, a Webroot board member, said in a statement. “Mike’s exceptional leadership talent and his over 25-year track record of driving innovation and growth at technology companies make him the right choice to take Webroot to the next level of success.”

Potts said his top priority would be to accelerate growth.

“I am thrilled to join Webroot at such an exciting time,” the incoming CEO said in a statement.

“Dick has done a remarkable job developing a strong team and establishing a consistent record of innovation and growth,” Potts’ statement continued. “The urgent need for cyber protection and intelligence increases daily, and Webroot is in a great position to expand market share with its uniquely powerful solutions.”